Martell’s Landing Education Center, located just north of Somerset, Wisconsin, is dedicated to preserving the natural and human history of the St. Croix River and promoting stewardship of the land and waterways through collaborative community programs.
A Living Classroom
Situated at the confluence of the Apple and St. Croix Rivers, Martell’s Landing is surrounded by DNR protected woodlands and provides a unique setting for environmental education, historical learning, and community engagement. The property is home to a wide variety of wildlife including deer, beaver, otter, sandhill cranes, owls, eagles, hawks, and numerous other woodland species.
For generations, the beauty, history, and ecological richness of the land have provided meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to learn from the natural world.
Educational Experiences
As a nonprofit education center, Martell’s Landing has welcomed students, educators, families, and community groups to participate in hands on learning experiences that connect people with nature, history, and stewardship.
Programs and activities have included:
• School field trips
• Environmental education
• Wildlife observation and habitat studies
• Water quality and river studies
• Local history exploration
• Community learning experiences
• Library research projects
• Conservation and stewardship activities
The property serves as a living classroom where participants can learn directly from the land, rivers, forests, and wildlife that make the St. Croix Valley such a remarkable place.
International Learning
Students and visitors from across the United States, as well as from South America, Europe, and Asia, have explored Martell’s Landing through educational exchanges and cultural learning opportunities.
For many international visitors, the rivers, forests, wildlife, and history of the region provided experiences that were not available in their home countries, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Stewardship in Action
Stewardship has always been an important part of the Martell’s Landing mission.
Programs have included:
• River restoration projects
• River cleanup efforts
• Water studies
• Conservation education
• Boy Scout service projects
• Community volunteer initiatives
• Historical preservation efforts
Through these activities, participants gain a greater understanding of the importance of protecting natural resources and preserving the cultural and environmental heritage of the St. Croix River Valley.
Educational Legacy
For many years, Martell’s Landing has served as a gathering place for learning, exploration, stewardship, and community connection.
The historic log home, surrounding woodlands, river access, and open spaces have provided an inspiring setting for students, educators, researchers, volunteers, and visitors seeking to better understand the natural and cultural history of the region.
The photographs below capture a portion of that legacy and reflect the many educational experiences that have taken place on the land over the years.
